Review: Only Gossip Prospers by Lorraine Tosiello

It seems like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is all over the internet and social media platforms recently, due to the release of the new movie by Greta Gerwig. Here at the Mistress of the House of Books, we can not wait to see this film, thanks to our obsession with Louisa May Alcott and the actors set to star in the movie.

In a moment of serendipity, I also recently reviewed the French translation of the story called Les Quatre Filles du Docteur Marsch. This translation has a very different ending from the English version, which I was shocked to find out after I finished the novel. You can read more about that in my review.

To keep my Louisa May Alcott spree going, I recently finished a historical drama about Ms. Alcott’s life called Only Gossip Prospers by newcomer Lorraine Tosiello. Tosiello’s connection to Alcott and Little Women sounds reminiscent of my own - she first read the book in elementary school, and it stayed with her entire life.

I’m always curious to learn more about my favorite authors, so I was thrilled to find this novel, which is set in New York in 1875. I’m also always eager to read books by new authors, and Only Gossip Prospers is Tosiello’s debut novel. So for me, Only Gossip Prospers fell into my lap at the perfect time.

The novel imagines a 3-month period in 1875 when Alcott spent some time in New York City. In addition to giving the readers an intimate look into Alcott’s life and her personality, it also gives insight into New York City at the end of the 19th century. The city is dirty, lively, and filled with interesting characters.

The novel highlights Alcott’s obsession with helping the poor, and the numerous connections she and her family had to activists at the time. There are mentions of famous abolitionists, women’s rights supporters, and advocates to the poor and downtrodden.

The Louisa May Alcott that is portrayed in the book is exuberant, animated and helpful. She pays special attention to an orphan boy named Casey, and an aspiring writer named Marianne. In true Alcott fashion, no project is too big or too small, as long as it helps someone.

Not only does Only Gossip Prospers give the readers a deeper understanding of Alcott’s personality, but it also gives an excellent description of what could be found on the streets of New York City. Alcott’s character is well developed and the reader gets the impression that they know her by the end of the story.

Tosiello has also created a sort of “motley crew” that Alcott meets and befriends along the way. I don’t want to give anything away, but the band of people that she encounters throughout her time in the city brings much to the storyline, and compels you to keep reading - I must have finished the novel within a few days!

Overall, if you are interested in learning more about Alcott and New York in the 1870s, go out and buy this book. It reads easily and smoothly, and it’s really hard to put down. If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas present for a history-loving friend or family member, you’ve found it in Only Gossip Prospers!

If you’re interested in purchasing the book, you can do so here at Bookshop.org.

In an effort to support Bookshop.org, this post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Thank you for the support!